Welcome to The Farmstand, a small but rapidly growing family farm, store, and plant nursery located in Monte Vista, Colorado built from humble beginnings and a dream to provide a one stop shop for fresh, local food in the San Luis Valley. At the Farmstand, we strive to use sustainable practices, retain low prices, encourage local collaboration, and provide healthy, affordable options for the entire community.
HOW WE GROW
From seed to harvest, we are dedicated to providing sustainably grown produce. We believe in incorporating new and improved farming techniques whenever possible and eliminating chemical pesticides to better the health of our environment. Our hydroponic greenhouses save energy, facilitate faster production, and allow us to use less water than we would in the field! For field operations, we like to take a responsible and intelligent approach to conventional farming by applying the newest and safest techniques possible.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Our motto is "local first"! We grow our nursery stock from seed, pick the majority of vegetables directly from our soil, provide beef raised on SLV grassland, and stock eggs, mushrooms, spice mixes, baked goods and more from local producers within a 50 mile radius. For a comprehensive list of current stock, check out our online store!
Most locals know our property as the old Catlin's greenhouse, which operated for over 30 years providing the valley with a stunning array of plants. The community asked for the nursery to continue, so we obliged! We now grow over 300 varieties of annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetable starts, and houseplants. Need a hanging basket? We have them all year long!
We aim to provide seasonal produce year round, with a wide range of delicious options. Stop by our storefront any week of the year to stock up on your groceries!
WHO WE ARE
Haydn Christensen, owner and operator, grew up in Monte Vista, Colorado surrounded by swathes of hay fields. From the time he could walk, he was helping out on the family farm, learning the ropes of the agriculture industry and building a dream of owning his own farm. Fast forward eighteen years and Haydn began his educational career at Colorado State University to obtain a degree in Soil and Crop Sciences. Even before graduating, he had built the first Colorado Fresh greenhouse in 2012 in Fort Collins and transformed the business into produce production for the local community and beyond for 10 years. He, his wife Lindsey, and their three children moved back to the valley in 2023 to continue providing a farm fresh experience to his hometown!
Over the last 4 years, additional greenhouses were built, fields were obtained, and more friends were added to the team. We have cultivated a dedicated local following and secured our reputation as forward-thinking young farmers.
